Verdict
The RM89,102 gap buys a very different brief. At RM379,990, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is the quicker five-seater: its two motors produce 335 hp and 664 Nm, reach 100 km/h in six seconds, and draw from a 95 kWh battery rated for 505 km. It also gets all-wheel drive and air suspension. The RM290,888 GLB counters with seven seats and a more compact 4,634 mm body. For Malaysian families needing extra chairs, the Mercedes-Benz is the sensible choice; for EV range, acceleration and a 528-litre boot, take the Audi.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if you want 505 km EV range, 335 hp and 664 Nm performance, all-wheel drive and a 528-litre boot.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if you need seven seats in a shorter 4,634 mm SUV and want to spend RM89,102 less.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback RM379,990; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888.
- Powertrain: Audi has two electric motors with 335 hp and 664 Nm; Mercedes-Benz has a 1,332 cc turbo petrol engine with 161 hp and 270 Nm.
- Acceleration: Audi reaches 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; Mercedes-Benz takes 9.3 seconds.
- Driveline: Audi is all-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz is front-wheel drive.
- Seating and boot: Audi has 5 seats and 528 litres; Mercedes-Benz has 7 seats and 130 litres.
- Dimensions: Audi is 4,915 mm long with a 2,928 mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz is 4,634 mm long with a 2,829 mm wheelbase.
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- 505 km EV range from a 95 kWh battery
- 335 hp, 664 Nm and 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- All-wheel drive and multi-link air suspension
- RM89,102 more expensive
- Only five seats versus the GLB's seven
- Longer 4,915 mm body
GLB
- Seven-seat layout with sliding 40:20:40 second row
- RM290,888 price
- Shorter 4,634 mm body
- 161 hp and 270 Nm trail the Audi's 335 hp and 664 Nm
- 9.3-second 0-100 km/h time is 3.3 seconds slower
- 130-litre boot is much smaller than the Audi's 528 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM379,990 | RM290,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,332 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 161 hp |
| Torque | — | 270 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 72.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 505 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | 7G-DCT |
| Gears | 2 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 9.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 207 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 4,634 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,663 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,829 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,555 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 528 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/55R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Mexico (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer middle row seats, two last row seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 40:20:40 Split-folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1x 12V Front, 1x front wireless charger, 2x USB-C rear, 1x 12V socket rear | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C 3rd Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395 | RM100✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q8 e-tron Sportback & GLB for sale
Q8 e-tron Sportback vs GLB FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or Mercedes-Benz GLB better?
The Audi is better for electric driving, pace and luggage space, with 505 km range, 335 hp and a 528-litre boot. The GLB is better if seven seats and a lower purchase price matter more than EV capability.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback costs RM379,990 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB costs RM290,888, so the Audi is RM89,102 more expensive.
Which one is better for carrying more people?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the clear choice for larger families because it has seven seats, including a 50:50 split-folding third row. The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback has five seats.